Chapter 5 Christmas at the Potter's
Sirius Black woke the next morning in a sleeping bag on the floor of a room he did not recognise. The walls were painted pale blue and were covered with posters of flying wizards in quidditch uniforms. There was a bed to the left of him that was so ruffled it looked as if it had never been made. A trunk, at the foot of the bed, was thrown open with its contents spilling out. The closet, that was left open, was filled with only a few shirts, a thick muggle coat, a wizard's cloak, one dress robe, and a dozen pairs of shoes that looked as if they were barely worn. Sirius counted five different models of brooms, two of which were under the bed, one rested inside his closet behind his dress robe, and the two they used last night still rested against the wall next to the door. A desk to the right of him was littered in tiny bolts and wheels that seemed to belong to a watch he was tinkering with. A small waste basket with filled with crumpled up paper and broken quills. Inside the desk drawer, he found his letters as well as some from Remus and Peter that dated all the way back to the summer after first year. There was no other place in the world that this could be beside James Potter's bedroom.
He looked over his shoulder to tease his friend about his sentimentality but was reminded that he was alone. One glance out of the frost covered window reminded him that it was Christmas. He dashed to his trunk, pulled on the first things that resembled clothing, and ran down the stairs in search of his friend. He found him sitting with his parents and a stranger in the cinnamon smelling kitchen drinking coffee. All four of them were still in their pyjamas which Sirius found strange, nevertheless, he entered the room with a bright smile and shouted: "happy Christmas" which was returned wholeheartedly.
"You going somewhere?" James asked as Sirius sat down accepting a coffee from Mrs Potter.
"No why?" Sirius returned utterly confused.
"Well, people usually spend Christmas in their PJ's don't they?" James replied.
"Oh, Jamie. Leave him be, probably better for you to get dressed every now and then anyway." Mrs Potter added.
"My parents usually insist upon it, but I like this better. More homey. I think I'll go change." Sirius said skipping off up the stairs.
"James, you made him feel awkward." His mother scolded.
"You like him don't you." James smiled at his mother ignoring her disapproval.
"We do. He's very polite." She beamed. "I think he'll be a good influence on you." James nearly choked on his coffee but said nothing.
"And what about you Aunt Muriel, what do you think?" James asked, putting a hand on his dozing aunt's shoulder startling her awake.
"What? What? Think about what?" She said as if she hadn't been asleep, just missed part of the conversation.
"About my friend? Or did you miss him? He wished you a happy Christmas." James said.
"Happy Christmas to your friend too." She sang.
"Aunt Muriel, I think you'll like him. He's a sweet boy. Oh, here he comes now." Mr Potter said. Sirius Black skipped back into the kitchen in a fresh pair of pinstriped pyjamas. "Sirius this is our aunt Muriel, Aunt Muriel this is James's friend Sirius." Mr Potter smiled.
"Happy Christmas Aunt Muriel." Sirius grinned offering the elderly woman his hand.
"Happy Christmas James's friend Sirius." Aunt Muriel laughed excepting the boy's hand. "You look quite strapping in your pyjamas." Sirius bowed his head to hide his blushed much to James's surprise.
"Thank you ma'am." Sirius chuckled.
"Cinnamon rolls are done!" sang Mrs Potter. She came towards the table carrying a large baking sheet covered in quaffle sized cinnamon rolls. The three boys bent forward breathing in the smell. Aunt Muriel's eyes started to droop again though no one noticed.
"Thanks, Mum!" James exclaimed picking up his knife and fork from beside his plate.
"Thanks, Mrs Potter." Sirius and Mr Potter said together, one less affectionately than the other.
"You're welcome loves. And Happy Christmas." She said placing a roll on each of their plates.
"Happy Christmas." Mr Potter smiled at his wife. The boys had their mouths too full to give their returns.
"Mum, can we open presents after breakfast?" James asked excitedly after he swallowed his food.
"Of course." She hummed.
"You haven't opened your presents yet?" Sirius asked surprised. Of course, when he thought about it, James probably would have left the paper strewn across his bedroom floor.
"Oh, no. Mum likes to see our faces, so she keeps them under the tree." James explained gargling his orange juice. "Like muggles."
"James, table manners." Mrs Potter reminded causing James to painfully gulp down his juice. "Sirius we got some things for you. James said you like quidditch, wizard chess, and oh what was the other thing?"
"Muggle music." James reminded with a mouth full of food.
"James table manners." Mr Potter said sternly. "James said you support England, is that true?"
"Yes, sir. But I think James might be converting me a bit. I was rooting for Ireland in the last match against the Nordics. Practically against my religion, but there I was covered in clovers huddling around the radio with Jamie." Sirius teased.
"It's James to you." He warned pointing his fork at him. "Ireland is a better team anyway."
"Ireland won the last match didn't they?" Mr Potter asked supporting his son.
"Yes but that was years ago," Sirius argued. "They have a much better team now. Halovic's they're seeker and he's the best I've ever seen."
"You just say that because they beat Romania because of him. They lost to Finland and they suck this year." James argued.
"Well, we won't know until next year, won't we boys." Mrs Potter soothed, looking pointedly at her husband.
"Yes, Mum. Dad's already got us tickets to see the tournament. Do you think you could come?" James asked.
"We're already planning on going," Sirius answered though he wasn't sure he would be able to go after sneaking out last night.
"Great! I'm sure Ireland will make it, maybe England will, but if they do won't it be fun to see." James started to babble excitedly about the bets they could make against each other.
"Alright enough it's Christmas, they'll be no feuding, friendly or otherwise." Mrs Potter interrupted ending the debate.
"Sorry Mum," James said scraping up the extra frosting from his plate and eating it with his fingers.
"If you boys are done I think we can make our way into the drawing room." Mr Potter said.
"I'm done!" James yelled jumping up from his seat causing the chair to hit the wall.
"JAMES POTTER!" Mrs Potter yelled as James ran from the room.
"Thank you, Mrs Potter, that was delicious," Sirius told her stifling his laughter. He got up much more calmly and followed after James laughing all the way.
"What's so funny?" James asked as they zeroed in on the Christmas tree.
"You're mum. She reminds me of Maggie." He chuckled as he bent to kneel next to his friend. "Remember when you transfigured Snivellus's desk into a rabbit?" James nodded his confirmation, too focused on finding the right present for anything else. "Well she made the same face, even sounds a bit like her. I wonder what would happen if she found us out of bed after lights out?"
"She'd lecture us about the importance of a proper sleep schedule," James answered examining one of the boxes.
"Exactly like Maggie, though she'd make us write an essay on it," Sirius smirked picking up a parcel with handwriting he recognised.
"She can't help it. She's a teacher." James remarked.
"Is this from Remus?" Sirius questioned holding up the parcel he was holding.
"Oh yeah! I completely forgot! He said it's for both of us. He didn't want to send anything to your place, thought he'd get you in trouble. Think he know's what happened." James said excitedly.
"It was kinda hard to miss," Sirius muttered. "Should we open it together, or should we wait for your parents?"
"It's only from Remus they won't mind," James said taking the opposite end. They both tore open the brown paper to reveal a thin white cardboard box.
"What is it?" Sirius asked.
"It's a box," James said plainly.
"I know that but what is it, did he say anything about it when he sent it to you?" Sirius asked.
"Just that he'd thought we find it perplexing at first, but that we liked puzzles so we should find it entertaining. His words not mine. He writes a bit odd, like the old books, what's that one called? With the foxes?" James asked.
"I've written him before mate, I know what he writes like," Sirius said.
"I know that, but I was just saying. He writes like an old person." James continued.
"You mean he writes like someone who's older than nine?" Sirius smirked.
"Are you accusing me of writing like a nine-year-old?" James said.
"You get distracted easily. That's all. Can we open this now." Sirius responded bringing James's attention back to the box.
"I don't feel like being perplexed," James said.
"He'd said we'd enjoy it," Sirius argued.
"He said entertaining and perplexing." James returned. "In the same sentence! I swear I have to read his letters three times before I catch everything he has to say."
"We can talk about your reading comprehension skills later. Can we please open this? I feel like it's something really good." Sirius said squirming a bit.
"Well, you're usually right." James shrugged. He lifted the top of the box. The contents were wrapped in cotton. "Ooooo it's fragile," Sirius claimed the cotton wrapped gift out of the box.
"It's a mirror. Or two pieces of it. Do you think it broke on delivery? It has been windy lately." Sirius said after removing the cotton.
"Let's see." He said making a grab at his ankle. "Oh, I left my wand. Do you have yours?"
"Yup." Sirius pulled his out of his sleeve, laid the mirrors on the floor, pointed his wand and said "repairo." The mirrors formed back together for half a second but fell apart again.
"Maybe you did it wrong," James said taking Sirius's wand. "Repairo." Again the mirror formed back together only to fall apart once more.
"Guess it's supposed to be like that," Sirius said snatching his wand back again.
"Must be a joke," James said turning back to the tree.
"Remus is better at pranks than that. Last year he slimed the whole Slytherin team remember." Sirius answered, picking up the pieces to examine them again.
"Oh, that's right. Ha! They were red for weeks!" James laughed. Sirius ignored him. He waved his wand over the mirrors hoping to find any trace of enchantments. "He did say we'd find it perplexing."
"And entertaining." Sirius reminded.
"Why do you think he'd think we'd like perplexing?" James asked.
"Because we do. Remember last year when we were trying to find Lockhart's missing cat. We went on for a month with that one." Sirius answered.
"Yes but there was action in that," James argued.
"Maybe there is with this, we just haven't found it yet." Sirius returned.
"Alright, boys! Your wait is no more!" Mr Potter called as he entered the drawing-room with his wife and his aunt on either arm. Sirius jumped and shoved the mirrors back in its box though he wasn't really sure why.
"Did you already open one?" Mrs Potter said with her hands on her hips.
"Just the one Remus sent," James answered.
"Well thank you for waiting." Mrs Potter smiled warmly before sitting next to her husband on the couch. "James we wrapped yours in red and Sirius yours in gold. We figured Gryffindor colours would be best."
"Thank you, Mrs Potter." Sirius smiled. "And you Mr Potter. I don't know why I didn't think to bring anything for you I'm sorry about that. I'll have to send something."
"Oh, that's alright sweetheart. We're happy to do it." Mrs Potter smiled.
With a confirmation from Mr Potter and an impatient reminder of the still-wrapped gifts under the tree from James the boys ripped through the pile of presents not really caring whos was whos. James got a new broom, several books, two on defensive magic and one called Handy Transfigurations, a joke box set from his uncle who advised him to keep it hidden from his mother and German Chocolate Frogs from Peter. Sirius got a chess set that was carved to be shaped like lions, a muggle record from a band he had yet to hear and "Quidditch Through the Ages" and some Fizzing Whizbees from Peter.
"Best Christmas Ever!" The boys exclaimed when Mr Potter asked how they did that year. Mr and Mrs Potter went off to make Christmas dinner. Aunt Muriel was still dozing in an armchair. James and Sirius were sprawled out across the ripped paper and strewn boxes. Sirius rolled a lion shaped knight in between his fingers as James began to read "Handy Transfiguration."
"I never thought people would give you books for Christmas," Sirius said thoughtfully.
"They always do. Once they found out what my favourite classes were." James answered. "I've got about a dozen transfiguration books in my dad's study. If Maggie only knew." James joked causing Sirius to chuckle. "You know I'm kinda wondering what those mirrors are all about."
"Strange, I didn't think you were interested at all." Sirius teased.
"Presents, Sirius. I was surrounded by marvellous Christmas mystery." James explained looking at his friend.
"We should write him and demand an explanation!" Sirius smirked.
"Eh, he'll be here tomorrow." James shrugged.
"I thought you said he wasn't coming?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, that was before. I guess he told his parents about us and that we know so they want to meet us. They're gonna spend New Year's with us." James answered. "Which reminds me, we usually go to Scotland for Hogmanay. That okay?"
"Yeah, but why?" Sirius questioned.
"They have this huge festival that Mum likes. You'll see." James explained.
Sirius felt a sudden weight fall over him like he might not be able to go. His parents should have received his letter by now and yet there was still no word. He tried to tell himself that this was a good sign, not a bad one.
"Will Peter be back by then? Maybe he'd like to join us." Sirius said trying to distract himself.
"Don't know. I'll write to him tomorrow. We're not leaving till Saturday anyway." James said climbing to his feet. "Want to break in my new broom?"
"Definitely," Sirius said jumping to his feet and following James out to the garden. The boys took turns flying around and showing off on James's new broom for hours until they got bored. Sirius ran up to get a spare broom so they could play one on one quidditch which is really just throwing a quaffle back and forth.
The next day when Remus came, James and Sirius both spent the morning bombarding him with questions about the mirrors. They quickly learned how stubborn their friend was for he refused to tell them anything and told them that "if you had an ounce of brain, you would have figured it out by now."
Sirius's foreboding feelings about his parents proved to be true when his father's owl came with a letter addressed to him, in his mother's handwriting. The letter instructed him to return to Grimmauld Place immediately, using the Floo network to avoid any travel delays. Sirius, who was in James's bedroom to read his letter privately, began to pack upon reading the first sentence. By the time he heard the booming footsteps of James running up the stairs he was already finished. James and Remus fell laughing through the door.
"We came to check on you, mate," James said after clearing his throat. Sirius' face seemed to portray all of his emotions despite his effort. "What the matter?"
"My parents just want me home, that's all." Sirius shrugged. "I shouldn't have snuck out. I don't know what I was thinking."
"If your parents are just coming back now you would have been locked in your room for two days," James argued. "You gotta have some control over your life, Sirius, you're not a child."
"How bad do you think it's gonna be?" said a very concerned looking Remus. Sirius just shrugged and fell onto his trunk.
"Alright I'm gonna ask you a question, and you're probably not gonna like it but just answered it honestly," James ordered. Sirius nodded. "Do your parents ever hit you?"
"No!" Sirius laughed bitterly. "No, they prefer psychological warfare I guess. Besides if they actually had to touch me I think they'd drop dead on the spot."
"If they ever do, you'll tell me?" James said shaking the laughter out of his friend. Sirius nodded again looking at his shoes. "You promise."
"Yeah man. If you try to kiss me I'll hex you." Sirius joked trying to lighten the room.
"Sirius?" Remus said firmly. "Maybe-."
"I'm alright Lupin, really. I'll be alright." Sirius said, all the humour had left his voice.
"Yes, but maybe you could stay for lunch. Have something to eat before you go." James suggested.
"The longer I make them wait the worst it'll be," Sirius said shaking his head. The room fell silent and grossly sombre. Sirius fidgeted uncomfortable with the heavy air but knowing that if he made a joke he would be chastised for not taking the issue seriously. James and Remus fought to keep down those unspoken words that would probably make Sirius stay.
"Well don't forget to pack your half of the mirror. Might be useful during your imprisonment" Remus half-joked. "And that's they only clue you're getting so don't ask."
"You call that a clue?" Sirius yelled.
"You're terrible at this Lupin, really," James smirked.
"It really is so simple, once you get it you'll kick yourselves." Remus laughed.
"I still think this is a joke, Sirius. A ploy to watch us struggle until our brains explode from over exertion." James said.
"Nah, he's not that cunning." Sirius laughed. "I really should go, though. You'll walk me out?"
"Walk you out? We're flying with you, mate." James told him.
"I've gotta use the Floo." Sirius shrugged. James mouthed an oh and nodded. "Where is my half?"
"In my desk," James said striding over to get it for him.
"Cheers," Sirius said stuffing it into his pocket.
The three of them walk smiling and joking down the steps although each of them were hiding their true feelings. Sirius hid his panic very well but Remus noticed the slight twitch in his eye before he hid it with his shaggy hair. James knew that his friend was lying though how much he was, he did not know. Each friend had a dire need to protect the was because of this neither of them did anything. So Sirius disappeared in a rush of green flame with a heartfelt goodbye and a promise to seem them in the new year.
****Sorry for the late update! I kinda struggled to get through this one so tell me what you guys think XO*****